Cargo pants were not on my 2025 bingo card. I’ll admit, I’ve been a bit of a hater when it comes to the ’90s trend that’s had a huge resurgence recently. But, after discovering the perfect pair of travel pants — that are, in fact, cargos — I finally get it.

About a week before I flew out for 14 days in Africa, I realized I was lacking safari-friendly pants in shades of brown; safari companies recommend opting for brown, olive, and neutral colors on game drives to help you blend into the landscape, making you less noticeable to animals and less likely to startle them. Plus, I needed a pair that combined functionality, durability, comfort, and style. Being both an outdoor gear and fashion editor, I also wanted a technical pant that still looked super cute, which can sometimes be a tall order. I scoured the internet for flattering hiking pants and quickly found the Prana Stretch Zion Cargo Pant. Since I’ve been hiking in Prana gear for nearly a decade, I knew I’d love everything about this pant, despite being on the fence about the cargo style. I added it to my cart, telling myself it’d be a “back-up.”

But, as soon as I tried the pants on, I couldn’t find a single flaw with them. They surprised me with how effortlessly cool they were (and made me feel), and I instantly regretted not buying them in more colors. Now, I can safely say that during my two-week stay in Africa, I found myself reaching for these perfect pants repeatedly, even over other items I had packed, like linen trousers and leggings. So, what made these pants my go-to choice?

Prana Stretch Zion Cargo Pant

Unlike my linen pieces, these pants remained wrinkle-free the entire trip. Despite several flights and lodge changes, I could pull them out of my carry-on, give them a shake, and they were ready to go. The soft, flexible recycled nylon material also made them simple to pack — whether I rolled or stuffed them into my duffel, they magically always kept their shape.

They are also incredibly comfortable and sturdy, while still being breathable, sweat-wicking, and lightweight. Made from a two-way stretch fabric, they never felt tight or constricting and moved with me whether I was hiking to observe mountain gorillas in the Bwindi Forest National Park in Uganda, boarding bush planes or riding in a Land Cruiser for game drives in the Masai Mara, or sightseeing and visiting museums in Nairobi. The pants also feature UPF 50+ and protected me on challenging and steep jungle hikes in the morning and when exposed in the savannah in the late afternoons. I also appreciated their double-side waistband adjustment and adjustable bungee cinch at the hem for true customization — meaning I could shorten them to ankle-length to cool off when temperatures heated up or wear them long on cool mornings (and tuck them into my socks) for muddy mountain trails, which came in clutch when I was quite literally stumbling through stinging nettle.

Prana Stretch Zion Cargo Pant

I tried the rich mocha brown shade, though the Prana Stretch Zion Cargo Pants also come in six other colors, including lavender, retro olive, classic black, light gray, and dark gray.

At $98, they are certainly an investment, but they’re priced fairly in my opinion and are even a bit more affordable than hiking pants from other well-known brands. Given their versatility and durability, I’m confident these pants will last me for years (and already plan to save them a spot in my carry-on for all my 2025 trips). While they’re not on sale, head to Prana, REI, or Amazon to grab a pair before they sell out — you’ll definitely appreciate having them on your next adventure, wherever it may take you.

These Prana pants were such a winner for me, I now have my eye on more pairs from the brand. I currently have the Stretch Zion Cinch Pant in haze (the perfect spring lavender shade) in my cart, which I can envision myself hiking the Scottish Highlands in this summer, as well as a comfy wide-leg airport travel pant I can use throughout the year, like the silky, flowy Sendoff Pant or buttery-soft Shea Wide-leg Pant.

If you’re on the lookout for more travel essentials for your upcoming trip, especially lightweight, layer-able pieces suited for transitional spring weather, check out some items I’m also shopping in Prana’s weekend sale. The brand is offering an extra 60 percent off already-discounted items — perfect for stocking up on quality outdoor gear and travel outfits at budget-friendly prices.

My Prana Travel Clothes Picks on Sale:

Cozy Up Pullover

Halle E-Waist Short II

Peak Fleece Jacket

Sancho Boyfriend Pant

Sacred Space Pullover

Railay Snap Up Skort

Encinitas Jacket

Sculpt 7/8 Legging

Escambia Half-Zip Jacket

Crossback Short

Palisades Ripstop Field Shirt

North County Jogger

Ridgecrest Long-Sleeve Shirt

Love a great deal? Sign up for our T+L Recommends newsletter and we’ll send you our favorite travel products each week.